Climb Aboard the Birthday Train!

Carson made it perfectly clear after his 3rd birthday party at the lake that we may never have another party at our house (at least not for him) again! So, his 4th birthday was again celebrated at the Starostka Lake (aka ~Danny's Lake).

Although it wasn't a real dog....Carson was just as pleased with his FurReal Friend puppy (aka ~Marley) from Grandma & Grandpa Oliver.
WOW! The CAT forklift that he's been eyeing at Walmart!
Happy 4th Birthday Carson!

We thought the train pinata with "pull strings" would be a nicer option than using the bat that was used last year, but the VERY LAST string was pulled and still no CANDY!

So, Carson used a plastic pipe and gave it a good wack....or maybe 4......and......

everyone enjoyed CANDY...even Grandpa Mike! LOL!

Although the party wasn't quite the hit for Collin as it was for Carson, he enjoyed the day too! Aunt Danielle taught him a new trick and placed his pacifier (aka~ plug) on his big toe.

Thanks to all who attended Carson's 4th birthday party! He enjoyed celebrating his day with you and thanks you for all the great presents.

Happy Birthday

Four years ago today I heard you cry, saw your tiny fingers and toes, and smelled the sweet smell of your skin for the first time. Carson Michael, you forever changed my life the first minute I saw you. I knew exactly at that very moment that my heart had grown even bigger and my love for you would be FOREVER.
The past four years have gone by so quickly. Many things have happened in those four years. We moved to California when you were 3 weeks old. You met your daddy for the first time on October 2, 2005 the day he arrived home from his 2nd deployment to Iraq. We moved back to Nebraska when you were 10 months old. Daddy left for his 3rd deployment for 7 months. You started daycare for the first time when you were a year and you are still friends with all the kids that go to Krystal's. We bought our first house! You became a big brother to Collin Wyatt. You started preschool at Zion Lutheran Church. During all these events I have had the opportunity to watch you grow, cry, laugh and have fun. You know exactly how to put a smile on my face. And even though there are times when I become angry with you, I want you to know that I am still learning and most likely will forever be working on being a better mommy to you. You are my world and am so blessed to be your mommy and I look forward to the many years we have ahead of us. Happy Birthday Pee-Wee!!

Love Always,
Mommy

Furnas County Fair

On Friday morning, the kids and I drove down to Beaver City for the Furnas County Fair. We visited Grandma Betty at the Courthouse and then went out for lunch at the Blue Ribbon. It was sprinkling so we walked quickly around the fair so Carson had an idea of what rides he wanted to ride that night.

The free BBQ started at 6:00pm and the sandwiches were delicious this year. Carson, Brock & Saige ate quickly so that they were first in line when the rides opened at 7:00pm

The train ride was a hit for everyone...and a bit fast I might add! I was a tad bit nervous when Brock yelled back at me, "I hope it doesn't go off the tracks like it did last year!" YIKES!
Collin really enjoyed riding the airplanes. This was the only ride that he did not sign "all done" on after a couple times around. He was especially excited when Saige & Carson were jumping in the blow up deal right next to him and would yell his name. I'm sure that next year he won't be going shoe-less at the fair! He did not seem to mind riding in the stroller since both nights it was way past his bedtime (7pm).

Carson and Laikyn were caught off guard a bit when this BuMpY ride started but they really enjoyed it! Check out those smiles!

Carson's favorite ride of the night was the slide. I can hardly believe that in one years time he went from riding down on my lap to climbing the tall stairs and going down all by himself! What happened to my little boy?

Carson & Saige on the carasuel (I'm having trouble spelling that word...hmmm?)

Carson informed me weeks before the fair started that he'd be big enough to ride the Tilt-a-Whirl this year and boy was he excited! We had a blast! The 2nd night when Brock & Saige rode with us was even more fun. It took us on quite the "whirl" that night!

Brett enjoyed a night out with Regg in Hastings on Friday night but joined the "fair fun" on Saturday. We skipped the demolition derby this year (something I never would have dreamed about prior to kids) so that we could enjoy seeing the smiling faces of our two adorable boys on the fair rides. Once Collin was tucked into bed and Grandma Betty & "Grandma" Debbie were
comfortable with the big kids, we headed to the Brandin Iron for a night of adult fun. We enjoyed the company of Kagan & Katie Stinnette (8 months pregnant and not drinking of course!).

Kagan, Jason, Jennifer, Lynn and I also went out on Friday night and witnessed a very interesting Body Surfing contest, which must have been a hit because there was a 2nd round on Saturday night. What guys won't do for a free case of beer!

Walking!

Collin has officially began walking! It all started last Friday when we went for an afternoon of swimming at Harmon Pool. Collin and Carson both love water, but boy was I a bit surprised when Collin crawled from the shallow end out towards the middle! When the water would start to get nose-level, he would stand up. I had never seen him stand up on his own! On Sunday he decided his new favorite toy was the vacuum that Carson received as his first birthday present from Daddy who was in Iraq. This new favorite toy gave him plenty of opportunities to stand and "attempt" to push it. Monday morning when we arrived at Krystal's I was busy telling her how I thought Collin might be walking soon and as I sat him down he stood on his own so Krystal moved a chair closer to him and he walked to it! Since then, he has become a little more confident and taking bigger risks. It won't be long and I'll be a busy mother of two little running everywhere, getting into trouble, much-loved boys!

Fun at the Lake!

Brett and I both had Friday July 3rd off so we began celebrating the holiday at the Starostka lake that afternoon. Carson enjoyed swimming in the water, riding the jet ski and playing in the sand.

Stan the One Man Band provided entertainment for the evening. We all enjoyed the delicious food, great music, and fireworks from the arena.

Carson wore Mary out with all his dancing!

I just love Collin's expressions!!

On Saturday Danny made fajitas.

Carson enjoyed riding in the canoe with the big kids.

Splashing!!

Collin loves playing in the sand and doesn't even put it in his mouth!

My parents came up to spend the 4th of July day with us. My Dad & Brett enjoyed fishing and my Mom played with the boys.

We all had a great time at the lake! We were so tired after spending two days on the beach that we were all sound asleep by dark on the 4th. Maybe next year we'll stay awake to watch the fireworks from the Country Club!

Henry Doorly Zoo

We drove to Omaha on Friday June 26th and spent the day swimming at the hotel and shopping at Cabela's and Bass Pro. We ate supper at Brett's favorite resaurant~Famous Dave's.
On Saturday morning we arrived at the Henry Doorly Zoo and were the first people through the gate when they opened at 8:30am.

A view of the newest addition to the zoo~The Skyfari!

Collin was not too excited about getting his picture taken in front of the sleeping sea lions.

Carson and Mommy rode the Skyfari. Carson thought it was a blast and told me, "I'm not nervous at all!" We both were a bit surprised when we saw our family practitioner, Dr. Becker, and his family on the ride. We also were staying in the same hotel~Embassy Suites in La Vista.

Carson enjoyed climbing on the spider web after the train ride across the zoo.

Our last stop of the day was the aqaurium. It is such a neat place to walk through, however, everyone was tired and crabby at that point.

Carson fell asleep within minutes of getting on the interstate, but Collin managed to stay awake (he had a nap in the carrier at the zoo)!

Everyone enjoyed the time we got to spend together on our little "getaway" to Omaha. Both boys slept fairly well in the hotel and really enjoyed swimming.

Sorry this post took me so long! I've been having troubles downloading the pictures onto my blog! There were many more pictures taken at the zoo, but I gave up on trying to get them on here. Sorry!